Description

In this one-hour lecture by Prof. Adam Summers, learn a new way of looking at the marine environment. We will see how to effectively look to the sea for bio inspired models for new technologies and materials with human health implications. The sea offers an opportunity to find techniques and materials that have passed the test of a high salinity, highly fouling and completely submerged environment. This encapsulates many of the challenges inherent in implantation in the human body. Special emphasis on examples of strong, tough materials, diggers, sticky devices, armor and piercing tools will make clear the importance of understanding organisms in their natural environment. Studying natural history, with its attendant careful observation and note taking, is the key to deriving inspiration for new solutions to historically intractable problems. The importance of good imaging techniques, clear observation of behavior and both mathematical, and physical models of performance will be a central point of the presentation.

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Mon, Jan 16, 2017 [12:30 PM - 01:30 PM]

Adam Summers

Dr Adam P. Summers trained as a mathematician & engineer and switched to biology for a Ph.D. His lab at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories allows him to deploy cutting edge equipment like micro-CT, and SEM at the water’s edge. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers on new materials inspired by shark skeletons; methods of attachment based on clingfish; and the arms & armor of fishes. He is committed to public outreach and was the scientific consultant on Finding Nemo.